Saturday, June 11, 2011

David Cook delivers big time on the invitation he made to the PS22 Chorus of 2011 last month to sing with him on his new single, "The Last Goodbye!" But the fun didn't stop there! An amazing Q&A session led to additional performances of "Rolling In The Deep" and "Livin' On A Prayer!" David was even good enough to work out an acoustic arrangement of "Light On," a song my parents requested and that he kindly dedicated to them in honor of their respective birthdays! This was truly one of the most musically satisfying (and otherwise) artist collaborations PS22 Chorus was ever privileged to be a part of! Check out all the mind-blowing evidence that proves the point below!

Big thanks to David, his guitarist Neal Tiemann, and Jamie for making this happen! Also thanks and props go to Mr. Eberle for some additional guitarwork and rock star Marquis on the skins! Additional thanks to Ms. Lisa for her amazing filming on this! Nobody could have captured this unplugged performance on one hand-held camera better! And lastly, thanks to Victor Breinberg and Ms. Laurie for the fantastic pics! Check out more below!

I loved this! Very warm and uplifting to see David and the kids performing and having such a great time. Beautiful voices all around! The photos are fantastic. Thanks for sharing. David is a great person, very caring and makes you feel good!And you all have such a friendly atmosphere as well!

Christine4David on Twitter says: This made my heart joyful to see so much love and sharing of music ! These kids are GREAT ! I am a big fan of Mr. Cook's but now, also a fan of these precious children of God ! May they continue to touch souls with their music.

I think that this was fabulous! The kids and David sounded wonderful together. These kids are so talented. I wonder if anybody told them that David is not only a musician but he also has a college degree in graphic arts. Thanks for sharing this. It was so fun to watch.

I'm not sure there has been a video or videos I have enjoyed as much as the PS22/David Cook collaboration. Impossible not to smile. So much talent and enthusiasm and just sheer love of music in one room. Thanks to all that brought us these pictures and videos. I think that 10 year old girl said it best 'I like you. You're down to earth. Your music speaks to people. It speaks to me'. Such wise, insightful words from one so young. She is completely on the mark about Mr. Cook.

This was pure joy to watch! The kids are amazing and David is just a natural with them. You guys seem to have really enjoyed his visit and performing with him! Best of luck to you all and many wishes of success for all the kids and their teacher. A true fan of music and David Cook.

Great collaboration!! I am in love with PS22Chorus. The girl singing Adele is so amazing. I also love the girl who sang LOAP. I am repeating the video over and over again to see each kid's interpretation of the song. I am a bigger fan of The Last Goodbye and David Cook because of you guys. Thank you very much Mr B for inspiring the youth.

Tori Amos

"They were so good! Their arrangements -- their sound -- it was so good.... It was...... disarming. It means so much that they took it and made it their own."-- Tori Amos after a private performance by the PS22 Chorusof her songs at the Sony Atrium in N.Y.C.

Common

"I feel honored to perform with PS22. The energy brought me up to a natural high on music and art, and just the spirits of you all. You all are so exciting to perform with..... I'm gonna remember this day forever."--hip hop legendCommonon performing with the PS22 Chorus at the National Tree Lighting 2009 for President Obama

David Cook

"Oh my God! It's ridiculous... It is incredible how good you guys are!!"-- David Cook, American Idol winner, after singing with PS22 Chorus!

Bonnie Hunt

Innocence Mission

"What a beautiful, beautiful, joyful version. It is a huge improvement on the original. The children brought tears to my eyes with their glorious singing and smiles. I so love the energy of this performance, the arrangement, the harmonies, everything."-- Karen PerisofThe Innocence Missionin apersonal message to the PS22 Chorusafter seeing the kids' video of the song "There" from their album, GLOW

Tribute WTC

Wikipedia

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IMPROVS

Improvising is a skill that really demands great natural musical ability, particularly to do it at 9 or 10 years old! All of the following songs were being created and recorded as you hear them here (with some minor post-editing). PS22 Chorus member JUSTIN, with occasional super-special guests including legendary PS22 Chorus Alumni CLIVE, DEON, BEN, ADIZA, KARIMA, BRI-AH, & AMANDA D., demonstrates the technique brilliantly.

Stevie Nicks

B.J. Novak

"My God! We watch you all the time at work, at The Office, all the actors, all the writers... You guys are amazing! I swear to you, you're an inspiration, keep it up!"-- B.J. Novak, star of The Office, raves about the PS22 Chorusat The Webby Awards!

Sinead O'Connor

"Most beautiful, joyous thing I seen apart from me own children ." -- Sinead O'Connorafter seeing the PS22 Chorus video of her song "Jackie!" PS22 was then invited to be the opening act for her concert at the Highline Ballroom in New York City.

Passion Pit

"These kids made the record what we had been dreaming it to be, as they are integral parts of three songs.... It felt so unbelievable to have the exact sound that I wanted coming through the headphones...."-- Michael Angelakosof Passion Pit on recording with the PS22 Chorus

Nancy Pelosi

"...You indeed, as you sing, 'rule the world!'"--Speaker of the HouseNancy Pelosiafter hearing the chorus sing at the Capitol